Prepared or preserved fish from India
India exported $80.4 million of prepared or preserved fish (HS 1604.20) in FY2025-26, down 18% on FY2024-25. Goods made in India pay 10% to 20% US import duty, depending on the tariff line, against 37.5% to 47.5% for goods from China.
- US duty from India
- 10%China 37.5%
- India's exports, FY2025-26
- $80MDown 17.9% on last year
- HS code
- 1604.20Page updated 6 Nov 2026
US import duty, India vs China
India pays 27.5 points less on the lowest-duty line. From the USITC HTS 2026 Rev 22.
All 9 US tariff lines
| HTS line | Description | Base | India | China |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1604.20.05 | Other prepared or preserved fish: Products containing meat of crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic invertebrates; prepared meals | 5% | 15% | 42.5% |
| 1604.20.10.00 | Other: Pastes | Free | 10% | 37.5% |
| 1604.20.15.00 | Balls, cakes and puddings: In oil | Free | 10% | 37.5% |
| 1604.20.20.00 | In immediate containers weighing with their contents not over 6.8 kg each: In airtight containers | Free | 10% | 37.5% |
| 1604.20.25.00 | In immediate containers weighing with their contents not over 6.8 kg each: Other | Free | 10% | 37.5% |
| 1604.20.30.00 | Not in oil: Other | Free | 10% | 37.5% |
| 1604.20.40.00 | Fish sticks and similar products of any size or shape, if breaded, coated with batter or similarly prepared: Neither cooked nor in oil | 10% | 20% | 47.5% |
| 1604.20.50 | Fish sticks and similar products of any size or shape, if breaded, coated with batter or similarly prepared: Other | 7.5% | 17.5% | 45% |
| 1604.20.60 | Other: Other | Free | 10% | 37.5% |
Totals include the Section 301 duty on goods from India or China and any Section 232 metals duty. They exclude anti-dumping and countervailing duties and customs fees. Check the current rate before you quote.
India's exports of prepared or preserved fish
India's exports to all countries under HS 1604.20, April to March, from DGCI&S.
Rules and other duties
- EU base duty
- The EU's average applied base (MFN) rate on HS 1604.20 is 18.4%, ranging from 5.5% to 25% across tariff lines, from 2021 data. It doesn't include India's GSP preference, so goods from India may pay less. Check the current rate in TARIC before you quote.
- RoDTEP
- India's schedule lists 2.4% of FOB value for exporters. The scheme was notified until 30 September 2026, so check with DGFT whether it's been extended.
- India's export policy
- Free to export, with no licence needed.
Common questions
What is the US import duty on prepared or preserved fish from India?
10% to 20% on the 9 US tariff lines under HS 1604.20, including the Section 301 duty on Indian goods and any Section 232 metals duty. Goods from China pay 37.5% to 47.5%. Anti-dumping duties and customs fees aren't included.
What is the HS code for prepared or preserved fish?
1604.20, under heading 1604 (Prepared or preserved fish; caviar and caviar substitutes prepared from fish eggs). Check the exact 8-digit or 10-digit line with your customs broker, since duty can differ between lines.
Does India export prepared or preserved fish?
Yes. India exported $80.4 million under HS 1604.20 in FY2025-26, according to DGCI&S, the Ministry of Commerce's trade statistics body.